WATCH: Flashback Video Exposes Kaepernick’s Racist Past

The Left-leaning media is seemingly depicting Colin Kaepernick as a cultural icon, now that hundreds of NFL players are following his lead and kneeling during the national anthem. But a look at the former 49ers quarterback’s past reveals inconsistencies between his political stances and his behavior.

According to NY Daily News, Kaepernick was fined $11,000 in 2014 for using a racial slur against Chicago Bears defensive lineman Lamarr Houston, who is African American.

Kaepernick became incensed during the game after throwing an interception against the Bears. Video recordings of the game showed Kaepernick saying something to Houston, but his remarks were inaudible.

The referee at the game accused Kaepernick of using derogatory racial language. Although Houston denied the claim, he later acknowledged that Kaepernick did indeed use the “N-word,” as reported by ESPN.

But Houston told the Chicago Tribune he was not offended by Kaepernick’s use of the “N-word,” saying the phrase was more a “cultural thing.” Interestingly, Houston was also later hit with a penalty for using inappropriate language against Chris Johnson of the New York Jets.

Kaepernick has been a vocal proponent of Left-leaning social justice issues. Now that he is no longer employed by an NFL team, he promotes causes on social media. His girlfriend, Nessa Diab, is a liberal radio host.

The former 49ers quarterback stirred up controversy when he started kneeling during the national anthem at football games last year.

However, Kaepernick’s demonstrations have been criticized as being disrespectful of the country, as well as the men and women who serve in the armed forces. Many also believe that the negative attention surrounding Kaepernick is partly why he remains an unemployed free agent.

Kneeling during the national anthem is now becoming a widely-adopted demonstration by left-wing athletes. As reported by Christian News Alerts, hundreds of NFL players in several games on Sunday participated in the Kaepernick-inspired protests, and knelt while the Star-Spangled Banner was sung.

The protests are also a reaction to President Donald Trump, who said in an Alabama campaign rally for Sen. Luther Strange (R-AL) that NFL players who kneel during the anthem should be fired. As Christian News Alerts notes, even a baseball player — catcher Bruce Maxwell of the Oakland A’s — has joined in on the protests, taking a knee during the anthem on Saturday.

But sports fans are expressing their discontent with the demonstrations. ESPN reports that preliminary ratings for week 2 of football season are down, likely due to the actions of team members. Additionally, many fans booed the protests of football players, as covered by CBS Sports.

The national anthem protests are a hot issue. Many NFL fans — who tend to lean politically conservative — see kneeling as a form of disrespect to the country. Alejandro Villanueva of the Steelers is one notable exception to the recent political demonstrations. He’s an Army vet who decided to stand during the anthem, despite his team remaining in the locker room.

As reported by SB Nation, sales of Villanueva’s jersey have skyrocketed after he was the only member of his team to honor the national anthem. It appears as if football fans have spoken — they don’t agree with the politics of the players.